Carbon footprint analysis tool for structures

ABSTRACT

An emission estimation program configured to calculate the amount of carbon generated during the life span of a structure by displaying a graphical user interface which is configured to gather structural information pertaining of the structure, receiving structural information pertaining to the size, types of material used in the structure and structural aspects of the structure, generating an estimated amount of carbon generated from the use of each type of material to construct the structure and the labor used to construct the structure based on the structural information, the types, and amounts of material and labor required to repair the structure after a destructive event occurs based on a calculated probability and magnitude of a destructive event occurring, generating and displaying an estimated amount of carbon emitted as a result of the materials used and the labor required to repair the structure after the destructive event occurs.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12/697,147filed 29 Jan. 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,452,573 issued 28 May 2013;which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the estimation of the amount of carbongenerated during the construction of a structure as well as the carbongenerated to repair damage to a structure after a natural or madedestructive event including, but not limited to, a seismic, wind,terrorist or other natural or man-made destructive event.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A greenhouse gas is generally considered a gas in an atmosphere thatabsorbs or emits radiation within the thermal infrared range. Greenhousegases (“GHG”) cause the so-called “Greenhouse Effect” which is theheating of the surface of a planet due to the presence of a GHG. Themain GHGs are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrious oxide andozone.

A carbon footprint is the total of GHG emissions caused by an entity,organization, event, activity or product. However, for simplicity it isoften expressed in the amount of carbon dioxide, or its equivalent ofother GHG emitted. Often the word carbon is used and/or interchangedwith the term carbon dioxide. Such is the case herein.

The process of constructing a structure involves the use of material,labor and equipment, which each generate GHGs. Specifically, materialsused in the construction are made and transported to construction sitesusing fossil fuels, this process itself produces carbon dioxide amongother GHGs. Further, construction of structures requires machinery whichburn fossil fuels and the transportation of laborers to the constructionsite, which also requires the use of fossil fuels.

In addition to the construction of a structure (e.g. buildings),depending on the location of the structure, the structure may besusceptible to damage due to environmental factors including, wind,earthquakes, flooding, etc. Additional material and labor is required torepair the structure after such an event occurs. The resultingdemolition of the damaged portions of the structure or the structure inits entirety and the repair of the damage or complete reconstructionproduces more carbon dioxide.

It would be beneficial for a system that is capable of estimating theamount of carbon produced during the construction and life span of astructure. Further, it would be beneficial for a system, which willaccount for damage, which may occur to a structure resulting due toenvironmental factors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment, the invention provides an emission estimationapparatus including a memory and a processor running a programconfigured to perform a method of calculating the amount of carbongenerated during the life span of a structure, the method including thesteps of displaying a graphical user interface (“GUI”) stored in thememory of the apparatus which is configured to gather structuralinformation pertaining to the structure, receiving structuralinformation from the GUI into the memory of the apparatus which includesinformation pertaining to the size, types of material used in thestructure and structural aspects of the structure, generating anestimated amount of carbon generated from the use of each type ofmaterial used in the structure and the labor used to construct thestructure based on the structural information received by the processor,estimating the types and amounts of material and labor required todemolish all or a portion of the structure and to repair the structureafter a destructive event that causes structural damage occurs based ona calculated probability and magnitude of a structural event occurringby the processor, generating an estimated amount of carbon resultingfrom the materials used and the labor required to repair the structureafter a destructive event has occurred by the processor, and displayingthe estimated amount of carbon generated during construction and fordemolition and repair of the structure on a display unit.

In another embodiment consistent with the present invention, theestimation of carbon generated in the construction of the structure isbased on the total reconstruction of the system.

In another embodiment consistent with the present invention, theestimation of carbon generated in the construction of the structureincludes the amount of carbon generated by the manufacture of thematerial used in construction of the structure.

In another embodiment consistent with the present invention, theestimation of carbon generated in the construction of the structureincludes the amount of carbon generated by machinery used inconstruction of the structure.

In another embodiment consistent with the present invention, theestimation of carbon generated in the demolition and repair of thestructure after a destructive event includes the amount of carbongenerated by the demolition of the damaged portions of the structure.

In another embodiment consistent with the present invention, theestimation of carbon generated in the demolition and repair of thestructure after a destructive event includes the amount of carbongenerated by the manufacture of the material used in the repair of thestructure.

In another embodiment consistent with the present invention, theestimation of carbon generated in the to demolition and repair of thestructure after a destructive event includes the amount of carbongenerated by machinery used in demolition and repair of the structure.

In another embodiment consistent with the present invention, theestimation of the type and amount of material required to demolish allor a portion of the structure and to repair the structure after adestructive event includes the step of varying the amount of damagebased on a seismic load-resisting system installed on the structure.

In another embodiment consistent with the present invention, theestimation of the type and amount of material required to demolish allor a portion of the structure and to repair the structure after adestructive event includes the step of varying the amount of damagebased on a wind load-resisting system installed on the structure.

In another embodiment consistent with the present invention, the programqueries a structural component database resident in the memory of theapparatus to determine the amount of material used in the constructionof the structure based on the information pertaining to the design ofthe structure.

In another embodiment consistent with the present invention, the programqueries a structural component database resident in the memory of theapparatus to determine the amount of material used in the repair of thestructure based on the information pertaining to the design of thestructure.

In another embodiment consistent with the present invention, an emissionestimation system includes a graphical user interface stored in thememory of the apparatus which is configured to gather informationpertaining to the characteristics of a structure, a structuralinformation receiving unit which receives structural information fromthe graphical user interface which includes information pertaining tothe size, types of material used in the structure and structural aspectsof the structure, a carbon estimation unit configured to estimate theamount of carbon generated from the use of each type of material used inthe structure and the labor used to construct the structure based on thestructural information received, a repair estimation unit configured toestimate the types and amounts of material and labor required to repairthe structure after a seismic event occurs and to calculate aprobability and magnitude of a structural event occurring and toestimate an amount of carbon resulting from the materials used and thelabor required to repair the structure after the seismic event, and adisplay unit configured to display the estimated amount of carbongenerated during construction and repair of the structure.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the artupon examination of the following figures and detailed description. Itis intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, andadvantages be included within this description, be within the scope ofthe invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate an implementation of the presentinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theadvantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a data processing system or carbonfootprint analysis system 100 suitable for use with the methods andsystems consistent with the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a more detailed depiction of a computer used in the dataprocessing system for use with the methods and systems consistent withthe present invention.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C each depict a flow diagram illustrating exemplarysteps by the structure carbon footprint analysis tool for estimating thecarbon emitted during the construction of a structure and for anyrepairs due to a destructive event for use with the methods and systemsconsistent with the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram illustrating exemplary steps by thestructural carbon footprint analysis tool for estimating the amount ofmaterial used in the construction of a structure for use with themethods and systems consistent with the present invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict illustrative examples of the emissions estimatedisplayed on the graphical user interface which is consistent with thepresent invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict illustrative examples of a graphical userinterface used to gather information consistent with the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While various embodiments of the present invention are described herein,it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof this invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not to berestricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.

Described herein is an environmental analysis tool that is utilized tocalculate the carbon footprint of structures. This tool predicts theadvantages of reducing carbon emissions through the use of advancedstructural systems used to reduce damage during natural or man-madeevents occurring during the life of the structure. It is generallybelieved that carbon emissions contribute to global warming and that themost sustainable structures are those that perform well over theirservice life.

The tool calculates the carbon footprint associated with initialconstruction considering material type including any mining, harvesting,processing or other fabrication methods, transportation of materials,and the construction of such materials. The tool predicts the carbonfootprint associated with the structure throughout its service lifeconsidering exposure to the environment including wind, seismic, andother loadings particularly associated with the structure's sitelocation. The calculator considers the effects of enhanced structuralsystems in regions of high risk due to seismicity, adverse windconditions, or man-made threats and evaluates the advantages of suchsystems in reducing carbon emissions. In the event of damage caused bysuch events, the calculator predicts the carbon footprint associatedwith the removal, repair, and reconstruction of damaged structuralelements. If damage is extreme, the calculator predicts the completedemolition and reconstruction of the structure.

The tool is capable of considering the carbon footprint of structuresearly in design where only limited parameters such as structure height,size, material type, and location are known. The carbon footprint iscalculated by referencing a comprehensive database of built structureswhere material quantities relative to height of the structure andloading conditions are recorded. Parameters that are more specific maybe used as input when design is refined including the evaluation ofas-built structures.

Herein, the term “destructive event” is meant to include all man-madeand natural destructive events, including, but not limited to,earthquakes, storms, hurricanes, tornados, high winds, terroristattacks, explosions and any other man-made or natural destructive eventwhich may damage a structure.

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a data processing system or carbonfootprint analysis system 100 suitable for use with the methods andsystems consistent with the present invention. The data processingsystem 100 comprises a plurality of computers 102, 104 and 106 connectedvia a network 108. The network is of a type that is suitable forconnecting the computers for communication, such as a circuit-switchednetwork or a packet-switched network. Also, the network may include anumber of different networks, such as a local area network, a wide areanetwork such as the Internet, telephone networks including telephonenetworks with dedicated communication links, connection-less network,and wireless networks. In the illustrative example shown in FIG. 1, thenetwork is the Internet. Each of the computers shown in FIG. 1 isconnected to the network via a suitable communication link, such as adedicated communication line or a wireless communication link.

In an illustrative example, computer 102 serves as a structure carbonfootprint analysis unit 110, which is effective to estimate the amountof carbon emitted during the service life of a structure. As will bedescribed in more detail below, computer 102 includes a carbon footprintanalysis tool (“CFAT”) 110 for structures that gathers information on astructure design and generates an estimate of the amount of carbonemitted in the construction and subsequent demolition and repair of thestructure after a destructive event, as well as, a structural componentsdatabase 112, which stores historical construction data for previouslydesigned and constructed structures. The number of computers and thenetwork configuration shown in FIG. 1 are merely an illustrativeexample. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the dataprocessing system may include a different number of computers andnetworks. For example, computer 102 may include the structure carbonfootprint analysis program as well as one or more of the analysisprograms. Further, the administrator program may reside on a differentcomputer than computer 102.

FIG. 2 shows a more detailed depiction of computer 102. Computer 102comprises a central processing unit (CPU) 202, an input output (I/O)unit 204, a display device 206, a secondary storage device 208, and amemory 210. Computer 102 may further comprise standard input devicessuch as a keyboard, a mouse, a digitizer, or a speech processing means(each not illustrated).

Computer 102's memory 210 includes the CFAT 110 which is configured tocreate an estimate of the amount of carbon generated during theconstruction of a structure and in the repair of damage due to adestructive event and a GUI 212 which is used to gather information froma user via the display device 206 and I/O unit 204 as described herein.The secondary storage device 208 includes a structural componentdatabase 112, which stores historical construction data. Further, theCFAT 110 and GUI 212 may also be stored in the secondary storage unit208.

The CFAT 110 will be described in more detail below.

In the illustrative example, the CFAT 110 is a stand-alone program thatcommunicates with the GUI 212 and the structural component database 112.In another embodiment, the CFAT 110 may be a plug-in or component ofanother program.

FIGS. 3A-3C depict a flow diagram 300 illustrating exemplary steps bythe CFAT 110 for estimating the carbon emitted during the constructionof a structure and for any repairs resulting from a destructive event.First, in step 302, the CFAT 110 displays a user input screen, via theGUI 212, which includes a plurality of user input objects, which areeffective to gather parameters used to generate an estimate of thecarbon footprint of a structure. The parameters gathered include, butare not limited to, the number of stories in the structure, the materialused to build the structure, the expected seismic loading and windloading on the structure and any other parameter indicative of the sizeof the structure, the material used in the structure or the seismicforce-resisting system used in the structure.

In step 304, the CFAT 110, receives the size parameters of the structurevia a user input object on the GUI 212. The size parameters may include,but are not limited to, the number of stories of the structure, thetotal floor area above the ground, also called the superstructure, orany other indicator of the size or dimension of the structure includingfoundations and substructures located below ground level. In anillustrative example, the CFAT 110 may display user input objects on theGUI for entry of the number of floors of a structure and the averagefloor area per floor of the structure.

In step 306 the CFAT 110, displays a user input object, which receiveseach of the main structural materials used to make the structure fromthe GUI 212. The main structural material type may include, but is notlimited to, steel, concrete, composite (such as a combination of steeland concrete), wood or any other applicable material.

In step 308, the CFAT 110 displays a user input object that receives thetime required to construct the structure from the GUI 212. In oneembodiment consistent with the present invention, the construction maybe represented as the estimated duration of construction per floor. Inanother embodiment, the duration may be represented by the totalduration to construct the structure.

In step 310, the CFAT 110, displays a user input object that receivesthe expected service life of the structure. The service life representsthe number of years the structure is expected to be used and in service.In one embodiment consistent with the present invention, the expectedservice life is set to a default value of 50 years, which represents acommon value for a structure service life, but actual design servicelives vary by geography, function, owner, and other factors. In anotherembodiment, the structure service life is set to a default value of 100years or greater.

In step 312, the CFAT 110, displays a user input object that receivesthe expected wind loading on the structure. In one embodiment consistentwith the present invention, the wind loading may be classified intolevels including, but not limited to, low, moderate, and high. Each ofthe categories corresponds to a range of values for 3-second gust basicwind speed. The division of each range is determined using statisticalmethods based on proportioning by magnitude and abundance of occurrenceas listed by the 2006 International Building Code (“IBC”). Thecategories may be assigned as follows:

Wind Loading Level 3-second Gust Basic Wind Speed, V Low <45 m/sModerate 45 to 58 m/s High >58 m/s

Generally, these divisions yield geographical classifications in linewith common perceptions. Areas that are inland and far from hurricaneregions, such the western region of the United States, are mainlyclassified as “low”; those inland but closer to coasts prone tohurricane winds are “moderate”; and those on coasts that experiencefrequent hurricane force winds are “high”. In another embodimentconsistent with the present invention, the wind loading may be anumerical value.

In step 314, the CFAT 110, displays a user input object that receivesthe expected seismic loading on the structure. In one embodimentconsistent with the present invention, seismic loading may be classifiedas including, but not being limited to, one of the following levels: noloading, low, moderate, and high. The minimum level of seismic loadingfor determining material quantities is “low”; a value of “none” forseismic loading is used to assign zero probabilistic damage.

Each of the three categories may correspond to a range of values forspectral response acceleration, Ss, in terms of percentage of gravity, gas given by the IBC. The division of each range may be determined usingstatistical methods based on proportioning by magnitude and abundance ofoccurrence. The categories may be assigned as follows:

Seismic Loading Level Spectral Response Acceleration, Ss Low <0.38 gModerate 0.38 g to 0.95 g High >0.95 g

Generally, these divisions yield geographical classifications in linewith common perceptions. Areas that are far from active fault zones,like in the eastern region of the United States, are mainly classifiedas “low”; those close to faults capable of producing medium-sized tremorare classified as “moderate”; and those near highly active faultscapable of producing large earthquakes are classified as “high”. Inanother embodiment consistent with the present invention, the seismicloading is represented by a numeric value representing the estimatedspectral response acceleration.

In step 316, the CFAT 110, displays a user input object that receivesthe seismic force-resisting (“SFRS”) identifier. In one embodimentconsistent with the present invention, the SFRS identifier may beclassified as “conventional” or “enhanced.” In this embodiment, enhancedstructural systems for resisting seismic loads are considered for theestimation of probabilistic damage factored over a structure's servicelife. Enhanced seismic force-resisting systems include, but are notlimited to, stand-alone components usually supplied by manufacturersspecializing in their production and installation. Seismicforce-resisting systems may include, but are not limited to,conventional systems such as buckling-restrained braced frames (BRBFs),viscous dampers, self-centering mechanisms, pin-fuses, and baseisolation units. These systems may be used in place of or in tandem withconventional systems like concentric braced frames, special momentframes, and special shear walls.

In step 318, the CFAT 110 determines if the SFRS identifier is set to“enhanced system.” If the system is categorized as “enhanced,” the CFAT110, via the GUI 212, prompts the user to select the type of enhancedseismic force-resisting system that relates to the performance of thestructure and the expected damage resulting from a seismic event. Therating of expected destructive events may include, but are not limitedto, zero damage, base isolation, pin fuse, link fuse, viscous dampers,unbonded PT, shear wall, braced frame, BRBFs, conventional, or any otherapplicable rating of indicative of an expected destructive event. If theSFRS is not set to “enhanced” the CFAT 110 moves to step 324.

In step 320, the CFAT 110 displays a user input object indicating theperformance level for a typical or design earthquake. In one embodimentconsistent with the present invention, the expected structureperformance level, by default, may be chosen to be “Life-Safe.”Life-Safe is a common design goal for structures as recognized bybuilding codes, due to their occupancy categories and importancefactors. This performance level implies that a structure is expected tostill be standing directly after an event but probably not be suitablefor re-occupancy without major reconstruction efforts and disturbance tothe operations occurring inside the structure.

The performance level may also include, but is not limited to, “fullyoperational” (often assigned to critical infrastructure and essentialfacilities that should have minimal damage and no interruption tooperations occurring inside the structure), “operational” (forstructures expected to be mostly occupied directly after an eventwithout reconstruction but with some damage), and “near collapse” (forlow-occupancy, low-importance structures that would be expected to stillbe standing directly after an event but not suitable for anyre-occupancy in the future). In step 322, the CFAT 110 receives the SFRSenhancement type.

In step 324, the CFAT 110 estimates the amount of material used toconstruct the structure. In one embodiment consistent with the presentinvention, the CFAT 110 estimates the amount of each material used tobuild the structure, which include, but are not limited to, steel,concrete, composite (such as a combination of steel and concrete), woodand any other material used for constructing a structure. Thisestimation of the material quantity will be discussed later in thespecification.

In step 326, the CFAT 110 determines if the system generated defaultvalues should be used to determine the amount of carbon generated duringthe life span of the structure. In an illustrative example, the CFAT 110may prompt the user to determine if the user wants to use the systemgenerated default values to estimate the carbon emissions generated bythe construction, demolition and repair of the structure. If the systemgenerated default values are used, the CFAT 100 moves to step 330. Ifuser override values are not used, the CFAT 110 moves to step 328.

In step 328, the CFAT 110 retrieves the user override values and thenproceeds to step 330. In one embodiment consistent with the presentinvention, the user override values are gathered by the CFAT 110 fromthe user. In another embodiment consistent with the present invention,the CFAT 110 gathers the user override values from a database or otherdata storage device including, but not limited to, a web site, a file, ascanned document or any other mechanism which is capable of storing datadigitally.

In step 330, the CFAT 110 estimates the emissions generated by thematerials used in the construction of the building including theemissions generated by the manufacturing of each of the materials usedin constructing the structure based on the material information gatheredin step 310. The CFAT 110 estimates the emissions totaled over theentire time spent from initial manufacturing of materials to thecompletion of the structure, with additional regard for materialreplacement after damage or reconstruction. It is effectively a lifecycle assessment (LCA) tool based on data taken from several differentlife cycle inventories (LCI) created for all the differentmanufacturing, fabrication, transportation, construction, and demolitionprocesses that occur in this time-frame.

There are innumerable quantities that may be listed as prerequisites tothe completion of a specific production process, and each may becategorized as either an “economic flow” or “environmental flow”.Economic flows, in simplest terms, encompass items that are createdspecifically for the construction of the structure.

Environmental flows encompass items that are not created specificallyfor the construction of the structure, so their embodied energies arenot included in the sum of emissions. For example, for the installationof a structural material into a structure, the use of fuel that thisprocess requires for the running of specific machines it uses isconsidered to be an economic flow, since the emissions associated withusing it are included in the calculation. The source of the fuel itself,on the other hand, is considered to be an environmental flow, since theembodied energy of the production of this fuel is not included (thisembodied energy might include emissions resulting from the distance thefuel is carried from its source, its method of refinement, or theconstruction of its own infrastructure).

In general, since fuel and energy are common, their use is considered tobe an economic flow that is supplied by the user while their sources areconsidered to be environmental flows—in other words, there is an accountof how much fuel and energy is used but the is no account for how thefuel and energy are created. Thus, the emissions terms associated withburning diesel fuel or using electricity from the grid are included, butthose with obtaining the fossil fuels used for diesel fuel and energy,manufacturing oil rigs, constructing and operating refineries and powerplants, and transporting this fuel and energy through tankers,pipelines, and gas stations are not included. However, the delivery ofdiesel fuel and transmission of energy from storage to industrialequipment is included due to the nature of the data used.

In one embodiment consistent with the present invention, the CFAT 110goes back as far as the mining and extraction of raw materials used inthe manufacturing of each of the materials, so the energy and fuel usedin these processes are included using emissions information provided bythe National Renewable Energy Laboratory database (“NREL”) (availablefrom the National Renewable Energy Laboratory National Renewable EnergyLaboratory 1617 Cole Blvd. Golden, Colo. 80401-3305) which provides theamount of emissions generated from the mining and extraction of rawmaterials.

These raw materials may be cleaned or processed just after extraction.The transportation of these raw materials and any processed materials toa central site where they are combined to form a structural material isincluded in this step for fuel consumption. The manufacturing terms ofthe machines and tools required for the processes in this step, such asexcavation tools, rails, power plants, and truck engines, are notthemselves included, as they are considered to be reusable items thatare not specifically associated with the structure. The uses of energyand fuel in these machines are considered to be economic flows and theiremissions are also taken from the NREL.

In an illustrative example, for structural steel, the finishedstructural material is considered to be steel alloy and its productionis an economic flow through the use of energy and water, oils, the steelalloy is created by joining pig iron with iron scrap and other metalsand as a result carbon dioxide and other gases are emitted to the air inaddition to waste heat, water, dust, oils and other gases and mineralsnot calculated as they do not contribute to the GWP. The production ofthe pig iron itself is an economic flow, as it is created by usingenergy and water to join pellets, sinter, and limestone and as a resultthere are emitted outputs.

The production of pellets is an economic flow involving bentonite andiron ore, and the production of sinter is too, involving coke, lime andiron ore. Even iron ore is produced in an economic flow, as energy andwater are used to refine raw iron ore resources. The raw iron oreresource is considered to be an environmental flow. The emissions fromall the economic flows are summed to determine a single emission for theproduction of steel alloy.

In another illustrative example, concerning concrete, the finishedstructural material is considered to be a concrete batch and itsproduction is an economic flow: energy and water are used to joinPortland cement, gravel and sand aggregate, slag, fly ash, and smallamounts of steel and synthetic rubber and as a result there are emittedoutputs. The production of the Portland cement is an economic flow, asit is created by using energy and water to join gypsum and clinker.Gypsum is produced in an economic flow by refining raw gypsum resource,which is itself an environmental flow. Clinker is produced in aneconomic flow involving lime, limestone, clay, bauxite, sand, and coke.Gravel and sand aggregate are produced in an economic flow by refiningand crushing gravel resource in the ground, which is itself anenvironmental flow. Slag and fly ash are produced and transported ineconomic flows from their points of origin. The emissions from all theeconomic flows are summed to determine a single emission for theproduction of the concrete batch.

In another embodiment consistent with the present invention, for anyfabrication that occurs after material manufacturing, such as steelfinishes or concrete mixing, the CFAT 110 may account for fuelconsumption during the delivery of structural materials frommanufacturing plant to fabrication plant, as well as fuel and energyconsumption during the fabrication processes, such as running anelectric saw or mixing tank using values provided by the NREL. Theenergy terms used for the manufacturing of this equipment are notincluded as they are considered as reusable items that are notspecifically associated with the structure.

In step 332, the CFAT 110 estimates the emissions resulting from theconstruction of the structure including the delivery of materials andlaborers to and from the construction site and the emissions from theoperation of any equipment used in the construction of the structure. Inone embodiment consistent with the present invention, the CFAT 110 mayaccount for fuel consumption during the delivery of structural materialsfrom fabrication plant to site only using emissions values provided bythe NREL or the South Coast Air Quality Management District database(“SCAQMD”) (available from South Coast Air Quality Management District21865 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar Calif. 91765.) The manufacturing of theengines, chassis and other machinery for each mode of transportation arenot themselves included, as they are considered to be reusable itemsthat are not specifically associated with the structure.

For transportation terms associated with construction activities—namely,commuting of laborers, delivery of support items, and delivery of heavysupport items—emissions due to fuel consumption using specific modes oftransportation are included in terms of distance traveled only. Thisdiffers from the method of computing emissions for the transportation ofstructural materials to site, which utilizes units of weight multipliedby distance because of the size of the vehicles used and nature of howthe materials are stored en route, which is not comparable to passengerssitting in a car or light materials resting on the bed of a pickuptruck.

In one embodiment consistent with the present invention, the CFAT 110may encompass the commuting of laborers to site, delivery of supportitems to site, and all production processes relating to the installationof the structural materials during construction and for any repairsresulting from a destructive event. Energy terms used for the productionand maintenance of everyday support items for laborers, such as food,protective clothing, and restrooms, are not included as they areconsidered reusable items that are not specifically associated with thestructure. For commuting and delivery, as described above, only fuelconsumption is included and it is considered an economic flow. Likewise,for the production processes of construction, only fuel and energyconsumption are included—the energy terms used for such items as themanufacturing and transportation to site of cranes, welding machines,impact wrenches, and formwork are not included as they are considered tobe reusable items that are not specifically associated with thestructure.

Some laborers on site for construction commute to the site from theirhomes on a daily basis using their own personal, passenger vehicle.Although commuting to work is an accepted aspect of modern society thatis not dependent on the nature of the specific structure itself (likepreparing food, providing clothing, and maintaining restrooms, which arenot included in the construction stage, for example), this process termis included because the project site is not related to where thelaborers commute. In one embodiment consistent with the presentinvention, the default weight of passenger vehicles is set to a defaultvalue of less than or equal to 8500 lb (3855 kg).

In another embodiment consistent with the present invention, theconstruction delivery term may be split into two terms: ordinarydeliveries and heavy deliveries. Ordinary deliveries require the use ofsmall delivery trucks on a nominal daily basis and include lightweightsupplies that are required on site for support of the construction ofthe structure such as worktables, handheld equipment, electrical cords,lighting, and tools like rakes, shovels, and dowels. In one embodimentconsistent with the present invention, small delivery trucks are set toweigh a default value of between 8500 and 33000 lb (3855 to 14970 kg).In yet another embodiment, heavy deliveries require the use ofheavy-heavy duty trucks on a nominal daily basis and include largersupplies such as cribbing, bracing and shoring members, and stand-aloneequipment. Heavy-heavy duty trucks are set to weigh a default valuebetween 33001 and 60000 lb (14970 to 27215 kg). The transportation oflarge construction equipment, like cranes and forklifts, are included inthis term as well.

In another embodiment consistent with the present invention, the amountof diesel fuel may be included in the emissions generated duringconstruction based on values provided by the NREL or the SCAQMD. Dieselfuel is used to power many different types of industrial equipment andmachinery used for construction processes. In addition to emissions thatoccur during combustion while using the powered equipment, totallife-cycle assessment accounts for some upstream profile, namely, theaverage transportation needed to move the diesel fuel from a refinery tothe piece of equipment where it is being used based on informationprovided by NREL or SCAQMD.

If diesel fuel is not used to power equipment used in the demolitionprocesses included in the calculator, then power may be provided in theform of electricity. For each electric process, a power demand in termsof Mega-joule per hour corresponds to a unit CO2e emission per unittime.

In step 334, the CFAT 110 determines the probable damage to thestructure resulting from a destructive event. In an illustrativeexample, the CFAT may determine the probable damage occurring from aseismic event. The system may estimate the probable occurrence of aseismic event occurring by using default or basic earthquake valueschosen to be a 475-year earthquake, referred to as the “rare” event,which has a return period of 475 years, equivalent to a 10% chance ofoccurring every 50 years. In another illustrative example, the designearthquake may also include, but is not limited to, the 43-year“frequent” earthquake, the 72-year “occasional” earthquake, and the2475-year “very rare” earthquake, otherwise known as the “maximumconsidered earthquake” in many design codes.

To determine the probable amount of damage to the structure from adestructive event, the CFAT 110, may use the following equation:

Total  Damage = Service  Life × Annual  Probability  of  Event  Occurring × SFRS  Enhancement  Level

System Factor is based on the performance type gathered in step 320.

In step 336, the CFAT 110 determines the emissions generated by thelabor, machinery operation and transportation costs associated with thedemolition of the portions of the structure damaged by the destructiveevent using information provided by the NREL. In one embodimentconsistent with the present invention, the CFAT 110 uses the samemethodology discussed above to determine the amount of labor, machineryoperation and transportation cost required to demolish the damagedportions of the structure by a destructive event.

The emissions associated with the demolition of a structure vary bystructure type, size, material, and intended use of demolishedmaterials. The demolition of portions of structural steel structuresrequires different equipment types and use durations from the demolitionof a reinforced concrete structure. At the same time, for a structuralsteel structure on its own, equipment types and use durations varydepending on whether demolished framing elements are intended to berecycled or reused (the difference being that reused elements areremoved intact so that they may be installed elsewhere in their currentforms with minor alterations, while recycled elements are removed inpieces and broken down into smaller forms to be molded into newelements). The same holds true for reinforced concrete, composite, wood,masonry, light gage steel structures and the like.

Equipment types commonly found on a demolition site may include, but isnot limited to, trucks, air compressors, lifting machines with multipleattachments (like a hammer, bucket, or crusher jaws), saws, impactwrenches, excavators, grinders, forklifts, and cranes. Demolitionprocesses include: pulling members from the structure, cutting members,loading cut pieces onto trucks, transporting materials around site,cutting rebar, chipping, and removing bolts. The emissions generated byeach of these pieces of equipment are taken from the NREL.

In one embodiment consistent with the present invention. Thetransportation of materials off the site using weight multiplied bydistance is considered but the use of the material when offsite is notconsidered. Materials may be transported to dump sites, landfills, otherproject sites, steel or concrete batch plants, or kept for reuse onsite. Also, the structural assemblies are not specifically designed fordemolition, disassembly, or reuse.

In one embodiment consistent with the present invention, the data fordemolition uses energy intensities in terms of Mega-joules per area ofdemolition for both recycle and reuse cases of baseline structural steeland reinforced concrete structures. An average value is determined foreach structure type and based on data from the NREL.

In another embodiment consistent with the present invention, the amountof diesel fuel may be included in the emissions generated duringdemolition based on values provided by the NREL or the SCAQMD. Dieselfuel is used to power many different types of industrial equipment andmachinery used for demolition processes. In addition to emissions thatoccur during combustion while using the powered equipment, totallife-cycle assessment accounts for some upstream profile, namely, theaverage transportation needed to move the diesel fuel from a refinery tothe piece of equipment where it is being used based on informationprovided by NREL or SCAQMD.

If diesel fuel is not used to power equipment used in the demolitionprocesses included in the calculator, then power may be provided in theform of electricity. For each electric process, a power demand in termsof Mega-joule per hour corresponds to a unit CO2e emission per unittime.

In step 338, the CFAT 110 estimates the amount of materials required torepair the damages to the structure from a destructive event. The CFAT110 estimates the amount of each material used in the construction ofthe structure required to repair the probable damage that would occur tothe structure based on the structure's parameters, which were previouslygathered by the user input objects. To perform this calculation, theCFAT 110 uses the previously estimated probability of a destructiveevent occurring, the estimated amount of damage resulting from thedestructive event and then uses historical data stored in the structuralcomponent database 112 to determine the amount of material and laborrequired repair the damage.

The demolition and reconstruction processes are included to captureeffects of probabilistic damage expected over the service life of thestructure due to seismicity, which may be minimized through thoughtfuldesign. Reconstruction consists of material replacement andreinstallation, the emissions from which are taken to be equal to theinitial values (adjustment for time lapse is not considered). In oneembodiment consistent with the present invention, the CFAT 110determines the total area of the structure, which would requiredemolition and repair after a destructive event. The amount of materialrequired to repair the damage is taken as a function of the area damagedby the destructive event. In an illustrative example, the amount ofmaterial may be calculated based on total destruction of the structurewhich would require full demolition and reconstruction of the structure.

In step 340, the carbon emissions generated due to the material used torepair the predicted damage resulting from a destructive event areestimated. In one embodiment consistent with the present invention, theCFAT 110 may estimate the amount and types of material used to repairthe predicted damage resulting from a destructive event in the samemanner as step 324.

In step 342, the CFAT 110 estimates the emissions generated by thelabor, machinery operation and transportation costs associated with therepair of damages to the structure due to a probable destructive event.In one embodiment consistent with the present invention, the CFAT 110uses the same methodology discussed above to determine the amount oflabor, machinery operation and transportation cost required to repairdamage to the structure by a destructive event.

In step 344, the CFAT 110 displays the emissions estimates on the GUI212 via the display 206. In one embodiment consistent with the presentinvention, the carbon emission information is displayed using a graphshowing the percentage each component of the structure attributes to thetotal carbon emission.

In step 344, the CFAT 110 determines if the user would like to adjustany of the previously enter values. If the user would like to adjust thevalues, the process returns to step 302. If the user does would not liketo adjust the previously entered values, the process ends.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are illustrative examples of the emissions estimatedisplayed on the GUI 212. FIG. 5A depicts a detailed report of thecarbon emissions generated by the construction and repair of thestructure. The detailed report 500 may separate the carbon emissionsbased on material used in the construction of the structure 502, thecarbon emissions generated by labor and machinery during initialconstruction 504, the carbon generated in the demolition and repair ofdamage due to a destructive event 506 and a total carbon emission forthe life span of the structure 508.

The detailed report 500 may display each type of material used in theconstruction of the structure with the amount of carbon attributed toeach of the types of material 502. In addition, the detailed report 500may display the carbon generated by the fuel and electricity used in theinitial construction of the structure 504 and the amount of carbonattributed to the demolition, material and reconstruction after adestructive event 506.

FIG. 5B is an illustrative example of a summary report 510 displayed onthe GUI 212. The summary report 510 includes a summary area 512 thatdisplays the total carbon generated by the material, construction andrepair of the structure. In addition, the summary report 510 may includea graphical representation of the carbon emissions by the type ofmaterial, type of construction activity generating the carbon and thedemolition, carbon generated by the reconstruction of the structure 514.

In another embodiment consistent with the present invention, the CFAT110 displays a detailed report 500 showing the estimated amount ofcarbon emission attributed to each component of the system. In anillustrative example, the display may separate the carbon emissions intocategories such as the carbon generated by the manufacture of each typeof material used in the structure, the carbon generated by thetransportation of the material and the carbon generated by thedemolition and repair of the structure from a destructive event.

In step 340 of FIG. 3, the CFAT 110 determines if the user would like toadjust any of the values used to estimate the carbon footprint of thestructure. If the user chooses to adjust a value, the CFAT 110recalculates the carbon emissions based on the adjusted values orvalues.

In one embodiment consistent with the present invention, the CFAT 110displays a cost benefit analysis on the display via the GUI. Thecost-benefit analysis provides the user with a simplified method ofassessing the return on investment and cost-benefit ratio of first costto reduction in losses over the structure's service life by installingan enhanced SFRS. The analysis GUI is contained within a pop-up windowcontaining a left side input and right side output (with run buttontitled “Generate Cost-Benefit”) interface with tabs and sub-tabs similarto the main program interface.

In another embodiment consistent with the present invention, the CFAT110 may display a plurality of tabs, as well as a button that the userpresses to command the program to perform a cost-benefit calculation.

In an illustrative example, the first tab may be a summary tab, whichcontains useful information generated during the calculation of thecarbon emissions. The tab may also contain several headings and analysisresults for the enhanced system of a chosen first cost. Additionalinformation displayed may include, but is not limited to:

Annual Return on Investment—displayed as percentage over structureservice life

Mean Annual Losses—stated as average dollar savings per year vs.conventional system

First Costs—repeated from user input

Reduction in losses, 100-year event—displayed as dollar amount overservice life

Reduction in losses, 1000-year event—displayed as dollar amount overservice life

Benefit-Cost Ratio, 100-year event—displayed as decimal amount

Benefit-Cost Ratio, 1000-year event—displayed as decimal amount

In addition, the meaning of the benefit-cost ratio (B/C Ratio) may beexplained with a legend:

B/C Ratio<1 means Loss

B/C Ratio=1 means Break-even

B/C Ratio>1 means Profit

In another embodiment consistent with the present invention, the CFAT110 may display a tab showing information pertaining to the return oninvestment of different configurations. This tab may display moreinformation related to the annual return on investment amount shown onthe summary tab. The headings on this tab may include, but are notlimited to:

Total expected annual loss for Building, Contents and BusinessInterruption—Conventional vs. Enhanced System

Net Expected Annual Benefit—$

Net Additional First Cost—repeated from user input

In yet another embodiment consistent with the present invention, theCFAT 110 may display more detailed information pertaining to theBenefit-to-Cost Ratio (“B/C Ratios”) of the structure. The CFAT 110 maydisplay information related to the B/C Ratios reported on the Summarytab for the 100-year and 1000-year seismic events, each given on asub-tab. Each sub-tab may contain, but is not limited to, the followingheadings:

Cost of building component losses—Conventional vs. Enhanced System, $

Structural components—Conventional vs. Enhanced System, $

Non-structural components—Conventional vs. Enhanced System, $

Cost of Business Interruption—Conventional vs. Enhanced System, $

Total cost of building components losses and businessinterruption—Conventional vs.

Enhanced System, $

Net Expected Benefit—$

Net Additional First Cost—repeated from user input

Equivalent Benefit/Cost Ratio—displayed as decimal amount (same as onSummary tab)

In yet another embodiment consistent with the present invention, theCFAT 110 may display a detail of the total costs of structurecomponents' losses (structural and nonstructural) and businessinterruption, net expected benefits, and equivalent benefit/cost ratiosfor all seismic events considered. The events considered include, butare not limited to 10% (1 in 10 yrs), 2% (1 in 50 yrs), 1% (1 in 100yrs), 0.5% (1 in 200 yrs), 0.2% (1 in 500 yrs), 0.1% (1 in 1000 yrs),0.04% (1 in 2500 yrs), and 0.01% (1 in 10000 yrs).

FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram 400 illustrating exemplary steps by theCFAT 110 for estimating the amount of material used in the constructionof a structure. In one embodiment consistent with the present invention,the structural component database 112 includes information pertaining toactual amounts of material used to construct structures based on windloading and seismic loading values.

In step 402, the CFAT 110 retrieves the amount of material typicallyused for a structure at the inputted wind loading value as estimated bythe CFAT 110. This value is indicative of the total amount of a specifictype material required to resist the wind loading inputted into the CFAT110 in step 312 of FIG. 3A based on the structure size parametersinputted in step 304 of FIG. 3A.

In step 404, the CFAT 110 retrieves the amount of material typicallyused for a structure at the inputted seismic loading value from the CFAT110. This value is indicative of the total amount of a specific typematerial required to resist the seismic loading inputted into the CFAT110 in step 314 of FIG. 3A based on the structure size parametersinputted in step 304 of FIG. 3A.

In step 406, the CFAT 110 compares the amount of material required toresist the desired winding and the amount of material required tosustain the desired seismic loading and determines which componentrequires more material. In step 408, the CFAT 110 uses the greatermaterial amount to calculate the amount of carbon emissions generated bythe manufacture and transport of the specific material.

In one embodiment consistent with the present invention, the informationstructural component database stores a plurality of data pointsindicative of the amount of material used in the construction of astructure based on the number of stories and the wind loading andseismic loading imposed on the structure. In this embodiment, the CFAT110 queries the structural component database 112 for the data pointsassociated with the inputted wind loading, seismic loading and structuresize parameters. The structural component database 112 returns theapproximated slope and the material intercept of a line containing theinputted wind loading and seismic loading based on the structure sizeparameter.

The CFAT 110 then uses the following equation to calculate the amount ofeach material that is used in construction of the structure:

Qj=Mi×Nst+Bi

Where Qj is the total amount material for each type of material used, Miis the slope of a line containing the wind or seismic loading values foreach type of material used, Nst is the number of stories entered in step304 of FIG. 3A and Bi is the line intercept for each type of materialused. The CFAT 110 retrieves the slope and intercept for each type ofmaterial entered in Step 306 of FIG. 3A and calculates the amount ofmaterial used for based on the equation above for both the wind loadingand seismic loading entered in Steps 312 and 314 of FIG. 3A.

In another embodiment consistent with the present invention, the CFAT110 may determine the amount of each component used to make the concreterequired construct a structure having the desired wind and seismicloading gathered in steps 312 and 314 of FIG. 3A. In this embodiment,the CFAT 110 queries the structural component database 112 for the datapoints associated with the inputted wind loading, seismic loading andstructure size parameters. The structural component database 112 returnsthe approximated slope and the material intercept of a line containingthe inputted wind loading and seismic loading based on the structuresize parameter. The CFAT 110 then calculates the amount of eachcomponent of concrete used in the based on the information gathered instep 304 of FIG. 3A using the following equation:

Ck=Pk×Qj×A

Where Ck is the amount of each component used in the concrete, Pk is theproportion of each component used in the concrete, Qk is the totalamount of concrete used and A is the structure size or floor areagathered in Step 304 of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 6A represents an illustrative example of a GUI 600 used to gatherinformation consistent with the present invention. The GUI 600 includesa plurality of user input objects, which allow a user to enterinformation pertaining to the structure. The GUI 600 may include, but isnot limited to, input objects requesting a project title 602 and thedimensional units used to calculate the carbon emissions 604. The GUI600 may also include a structure dimension area 606 for entry of sizeparameters of the structure. The size parameters may include, but arenot limited to, the number of floors in the structure and may allow theentry of the average floor area of each floor or the totalsuperstructure area of the structure.

The GUI 600 may also include an area where a user can define the mainstructural material used to make the structure 608. The user may be ableto select from a plurality of materials including, but not limited tosteel, concrete, wood or any other suitable material for construction.The GUI 600 may also include a construction time area 610 for entry ofthe average days each story will require to complete.

Additional areas may include, but are not limited to, an area to ratethe wind loading of the structure 612 and an area to enter the seismicloading of the structure 614. The wind loading and seismic loading ofthe structure may be entered as a rating or as an exact number. The GUI600 may include a selection button 616 and 618 that allow the user toindicate if the wind loading and seismic loading are exact numbers or anapproximate rating. The approximate rating may be, but is not limited tolow, medium or high or any other rating that will indicate a scale forthe wind or seismic loading based on the geographical location of thestructure.

The GUI 600, shown in FIG. 6B, may also include a seismic forceresistive system area 618 for entry of information concerning theseismic force resistive system installed on the structure. The seismicforce resistive system area 620 may include a selection button, whichallows a user to indicate if the seismic force resistive system is aconventional system or an enhanced system. If the user selects theconventional system button, the GUI will require the user to select theperformance level of the structure from a predetermined list 622. If theuser selects the enhanced system, the user is allowed to select both theperformance level as well as the seismic loading the structure wasdesigned to tolerate.

The GUI 600, shown in FIG. 6B, may include a material quantity area 624,which allows the user to select whether the CFAT 110 will generate thematerial quantities used in the carbon footprint estimate or if the userwill manually enter the material quantities to use in the estimate. Ifthe user selects to manually enter the material quantities, a input area626 will appear which allow the user to enter information pertaining tothe amount of each type of material used in the structure which mayinclude, but is not limited to, the pounds per square foot of materialused, the components of the material, and the strength of the material.

The CFAT 110 allows a user to estimate the amount carbon generated bythe construction of a structure and for any repairs of damage caused bya destructive event. This allows a user to adjust various attributes ofthe structure to obtain a desired carbon footprint. By doing this, auser is able to determine the most environmentally friendly method ofconstructing a structure. In addition, because the software calculatesthe amount and types of material and labor required to repair thestructure after a destructive event, the total cost of a structure overits life span is realized.

What is claimed is: 1-20. (canceled)
 21. A building estimation apparatusincluding a memory and a processor running a program configured toperform a method of calculating a total amount of materials used duringa life span of a structure, the method including the steps of:inputting, a plurality of data indicative of the amount of materialsused to construct a model structure of a specific size and subject to anenvironmental factor; storing into a structural component database, inthe memory, the plurality of data; querying the structural componentdatabase for data points associated with an inputted environmentalfactor and a specific structure size; returning from the structuralcomponent database, an approximated slope and a material intercept of aline containing the inputted environmental factors and loading based onthe structure; calculating the total amount of material for eachmaterial that is used in construction of the structure, wherein thetotal amount material for each type of material used in the structure iscalculated based on the slope of the line containing the environmentalvalues for each type of material used, the specific size of thestructure, and the line intercept for each type of material used in thestructure.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the environmentalfactor is a wind loading factor and a seismic loading factor.
 23. Theapparatus of claim 21 wherein the calculating of the total amount ofmaterials for each type of material is Qj=Mi*Nst=Bi where Mi equals theslope of the line containing the environmental loading value, Nst equalsthe number of stories in the structure and Bi equals the line interceptfor each type of material used.
 24. A building estimation apparatusincluding a memory and a processor running a program configured toperform a method of calculating a cost-benefit analysis to assess theinitial cost to reduction of losses over a structures service life byinstalling a seismic-force resisting system (SFRS), the method includingthe steps of: displaying, on a display unit, a graphical user interfacestored in the memory of the apparatus which is configured to gatherinformation pertaining to the structure; receiving, by the processor,structural information from the graphical user interface into the memoryof the apparatus which includes information pertaining to the size andtypes of material used in the structure; and displaying, on the displayunit, a cost associated with the building and the SFRS.
 25. The buildingestimation apparatus of claim 24 wherein the displayed cost is one ofthe following: an annual return on investment over the structure servicelife or a reduction in losses due to a periodic seismic event.
 26. Thebuilding estimation apparatus of claim 25 where the periodic seismicevent is a 100 year event.
 27. The building estimation apparatus ofclaim 25 where the periodic seismic event is a 1000 year event.
 28. Thebuilding estimation apparatus of claim 24 wherein the displayed cost isat least one of the following: a cost of building component losses; acost of structural component loses; a cost of non-structural components;a cost of business interruption; a net expected benefit; and a netadditional first cost.